Notes in George Harris' "A Philosophical Treatise
on the Nature and Constitution of Man" (S266a: 1876)

Editor Charles H. Smith 's Note: Four observations solicited for inclusion in this two-volume
work. Harris' text is placed first, followed by Wallace's notes (which appeared as footnotes
on the same pages). Original pagination indicated within double brackets. To link directly
to this page connect with: http://people.wku.edu/charles.smith/wallace/S266A.htm

[[Vol. 1, p. 372]] . . . But, although animals are in general obviously endowed with both anger
and terror, and in many of them these two passions are as perfectly developed as they are in man,
yet it does not appear that love is possessed by them. The appetite of concupiscence is found
vigorously existent in most, if not in all animals; but they are most, if not all of them, apparently
wholly destitute of the passion of love,7 although capable of very strong feelings of attachment
both towards others of their own species, and to objects of a different kind. . . .

7Mr. A. R. Wallace, F. R. G. S., in a note which he has very obligingly communicated to me on this
passage, remarks:--"It is necessary to define accurately what love here means. It appears to me that love
between the opposite sexes, is essentially a compound of the affection and the passion; and that this compound often exists in animals."

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[[Vol. 1, p. 373]] . . . This neglect in animals, to exercise any preference as regards the objects of
their concupiscence, on account of their personal qualities of the nature described, is wholly owing
to, and is a conclusive proof of their being destitute therewith of the passion of love, which in man
causes the difference, and supplies the deficiency alluded to.9 . . .

9Mr. Darwin, however, questions whether "every male bird of the same species equally excites and
attracts the female." (Selection in Relation to Sex, vol. ii. p. 99.) He also asserts that "stallions are so
frequently capricious in their choice, rejecting one mare, and without any apparent cause taking to another,
that various artifices have to be habitually used." (Ibid, p. 272.) But in both cases the causes of preference
may be those connected with concupiscence rather than with love. Has it been shown that beauty in form
at all influences their choice, which may depend on the age, health, or general condition of the female?

Nevertheless, as Mr. Wallace has been good enough to point out to me in the following note on this
passage: "Mr. Darwin has supported his views by copious facts and observations. It appears to me
useless to state the opposite view, without showing what facts support it." The observation and experience
of each person who has paid attention to this subject, must therefore be appealed to to determine the point
in his own mind. . . .

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[[Vol. 1, p. 374]] . . . It appears however most probable, and absolutely certainty here seems
to be beyond our reach, that some of the lowest animals in point of instinctive endowment, such
as worms, and oysters, and polypi, are wholly destitute of passion of any kind, and possess only
sensations, and emotions, and appetites,1 which suffice for all the exigencies of their career. . . .

1Mr. Wallace, however, asks here, "What is passion but a compound of these three?--Sed vide ante,
p. 340.

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[[Vol. 2, p. 254]] . . . Wild animals appear unerringly to shun substances, such as particular
herbs, which are naturally poisonous;* but they do not detect and avoid those which are artificially
rendered poisonous, as by the admixture with them of arsenic. This confirms the view suggested
in a former page, that against contrivances and contingencies which are out of the order of
nature, no provision has been made in the economy of animal nature. . . .

*Mr. A. R. Wallace however tells me that in his opinion the statement contained in the above
paragraph is "unfounded and erroneous."